In a significant move ahead of crucial local body elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday unveiled a fresh leadership team for six of its state-level frontal organisations, or morchas, in Rajasthan. The announcement, made by state party president Madan Rathore, signals a strategic organisational overhaul aimed at consolidating the party's base across key social segments.
New Faces Take Charge of Key Wings
The reshuffle brings in new leadership across almost all fronts, with only the Minority Morcha seeing its chief, Hamid Khan Mewati, retained. The appointments for the party's Women's Morcha are still pending and will be declared separately. This sweeping change underscores the BJP's intent to infuse new energy into its state unit.
A major highlight is the change in the youth wing. Shankar Gora, a former spokesperson for both the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the BJP, has been appointed as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM). He replaces Ankit Chechi. Gora is widely perceived as a dynamic leader capable of mobilising student and youth voters, a critical demographic.
Experienced Parliamentarians Given Key Roles
In a clear move to leverage experience and stature, the party has entrusted two former Union ministers with leading crucial morchas. Nihal Chand Meghwal, a senior BJP leader and multi-term MP from Sriganganagar, has been named the president of the SC Morcha. Meghwal, who first entered the Lok Sabha in 1996, served as a Minister of State in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first government.
Similarly, Kailash Choudhary, who served as the Union Minister of State for Agriculture from 2019 to 2024, has been appointed president of the Kisan Morcha. Choudhary, an elected MP, has built a strong profile as a leader deeply connected with agrarian and rural issues across Rajasthan, making him a strategic choice for the farmers' wing.
Strengthening Outreach to Social Groups
The BJP has also appointed leaders to head morchas representing other important communities. Gopichand Meena, the sitting MLA from Jahazpur, will lead the ST Morcha. Mahendra Kumawat, a former state office-bearer of the party, has been appointed as the President of the OBC Morcha.
According to party insiders, this calculated mix of seasoned parliamentarians and grounded grassroots workers reflects the BJP's concerted effort to strengthen its organisational outreach. The rejig is seen as a preparatory step to galvanise support among key social groups and communities across Rajasthan, setting the stage for the upcoming local body polls and future electoral battles.
The leadership renewal indicates the party's focus on presenting a revitalised face to the electorate, combining administrative experience with fresh vigour to connect with voters at all levels.
